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COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner bottle
COSRX

AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Exfoliating Toner 150 ml
8.8OUT OF 10
Great formula

Formula has a high safety profile. Suitable for most skin types.

11
Safe
1
Caution
0
Higher risk

Score breakdown

Safety10/10
Barrier support9/10
Acne-safe9.3/10
Active treatment1.9/10

Our verdict

The AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is the mildest way to add daily chemical exfoliation to a routine, and its restraint is deliberate. Rather than the punchy percentages of a dedicated acid, it uses low levels of glycolic acid (AHA) and betaine salicylate (a gentle BHA relative) in a base of willow bark and apple fruit waters, softened further by allantoin and panthenol. That combination gently loosens dead cells and keeps pores clearer without the sting, flaking or barrier disruption a 7% glycolic toner can cause. It is a genuinely good bridge product: suitable for exfoliation beginners, for people whose skin cannot tolerate stronger acids, and as a daily maintenance step between heavier treatments. The honest limit is the flip side of that gentleness — if you have stubborn blackheads, thick congestion or want visible resurfacing, this will feel underpowered and you will want a proper leave-on BHA or a stronger AHA. Note also that betaine salicylate is regulated differently across markets, so the effective strength varies by region. As a mild daily clarifier, it is well built and well tolerated.

At a glance

What it does
hydrationsoothingbarrier supportexfoliation
Best for
sensitive skinacne-prone skindry and dehydrated skinmost skin types
Not enough for
visible hyperpigmentationactive anti-aging treatment

Key ingredients

Glycolic Acidsupports skin comfortAllantoinsoothes and softens skinPanthenolsoothes and supports barrier recovery

Full ingredient list (12)

Mineral WaterSalix Alba Bark ExtractPyrus Malus(apple) Fruit ExtractButylene Glycol1,2-HexanediolSodium LactateGlycolic AcidWaterBetaine SalicylateAllantoinPanthenolEthyl Hexanediol

Colour indicates our safety assessment for each ingredient — green is well-tolerated, amber warrants caution, red is higher-risk. Tap any ingredient to read its full profile.

Frequently asked

Can I use this toner every day?
For most people, yes — it is formulated at low acid levels specifically for daily use. Start with every other day to check tolerance, and scale back if you notice tightness or flaking. Always pair daily acid use with sunscreen.
Is it strong enough to clear blackheads?
Usually not on its own. The acid levels are deliberately mild, so it works better as gentle daily maintenance than as a treatment for stubborn blackheads or heavy congestion. For those, a dedicated leave-on BHA like a 2% salicylic acid product is more effective.
How does it compare to The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7%?
They sit at opposite ends of the strength scale. The Ordinary's 7% glycolic toner is a powerful exfoliant for resilient skin, used a few nights a week. This COSRX toner is much milder, designed for daily use, and far better suited to sensitive skin or anyone new to acids.
What is the score based on?
The score comes from the same Pure Moonlight ingredient analyzer used across the whole site. It weighs safety, barrier support, acne and comedogenic risk, and active-ingredient strength, so this product's score is directly comparable to any ingredient page here.

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